21 Jul SA olive oils the consumer’s optimal choice

It’s official: South African olive oils rate the highest when it comes to quality, value for money and truthful labelling. This confirmation comes from a new study by SA Olive (SAO) that put various local and imported olive oils through a rigorous international test. The results prove unequivocally that South African olive oils remain the consumer’s optimal choice, says SA Olive, the voluntary association representing the SA olive industry.

“The main motivation behind the study was to inform local consumers of the true quality of available olive oils,” explains Leonard Arangies, SAO manager. “The reality is that not all oils labelled as Extra Virgin, can in fact be classified as extra virgin. Imported oils that were tested especially showed shocking deviations.”

A random sample was drawn from the available olive oils and tested in an accredited international laboratory according to specifications of the International Olive Council (IOC). Seven South African and 23 imported oils were included in the study – about 80% of locally-available olive oils are imported.

“Three tests were undertaken: a chemical test, an organoleptic (taste) test as well as a new freshness test for which the technology and parameters were recently developed by the IOC,” says Arangies. “To qualify as Extra Virgin an olive oil must pass all three tests.”

The results prove indisputedly that imported olive oils are inferior to their South African oils. None of the local oils that were tested showed any sign of being tampered with, whereas 26% of the imported oils were fraudulently bottled as Extra Virgin and can therefore be criminally prosecuted, he notes. 

66% of the tested oils showed one or other form of defect and should not be allowed to carry the Extra Virgin label. Only 33% of the 30 tested oils claiming to be Extra Virgin were in fact Extra Virgin. While only 22% of the imported olive oils passed the Extra Virgin test, 71% of South African oils deserved this status. 

The brands that achieved flying colours in all three tests and that are worthy of their Extra Virgin status, include: Woolworths South African Mild and Fruity, Olyfberg, Morgenster, Arte Oliva, Monini Classico, Vesuvio, Olitalia, Willow Creek, Spar Spanish and Poggio Ducale Italian Olive Oil.

“Another interesting observation regards the issue of price,” says Arangies. “The South African consumer often perceives high quality local olive oils as too expensive. This study has shown that the average price of all olive oils that were tested is R62.68 for 500ml, while the average price for those that can truthfully be classified as Extra Virgin is R65.19 for the same volume – a small difference for some of the best olive oils in the world.” 

He adds that SAO is always proactively monitoring and protecting the interests of the South African olive oil consumer: “Consumers should be on the lookout for bottles bearing the Member of SA Olive Commitment to Compliance Scheme (CTC) seal – a scheme initiated in 2005 to protect  consumers against fraudulent practices and to set a standard of quality.” 

This seal of authenticity confirm that the content is 100% locally produced in accordance with the SA Olive Code of Conduct and Practice based on international standards and that they are accurately labelled.

Discerning between the various types of olive oils:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a natural, unrefined olive oil with a free acidity of below 0.8%, no defects and a fruity characteristic. 
• Virgin Olive Oil is also a natural unrefined olive oil but with a free acidity between 0,8% and 2% and with minimal defects.
• Olive oils which are flawed and unfit for consumption need to undergo a refining process during which they are deodorised and bleached. The result is a tasteless, almost colourless product called Refined Olive Oil.
• Olive Pomace Oil is a solvent extracted from the solid press cake residue. It cannot be classified as or called Olive Oil, specifically not as Pomace Olive Oil which one often sees on labels.

SA Olive confirms that similar testing will be repeated in the nearby future.   

For more information regarding the results of the tests or the SA Olive Commitment to Compliance Scheme or a list of participating members, contact SA Olive at tel (021) 870 2900, fax (021) 870 2915, email [email protected] or visit www.saolive.co.za.